Patricia Forde, the current Laureate na nÓg, is urging adults to read Irish language books with the children and young people in their lives, to help foster a love of the Irish language among the next generation.
As part of her initiative, Forde will launch the 2025 Irish Language Reading Guide, Treoirleabhar Léitheoireachta 2025, on Friday, February 28th, just ahead of Seachtain na Gaeilge.
The guide, a collaboration between Foras na Gaeilge and Children's Books Ireland, is supported by Love Leabhar Gaeilge and features 100 carefully selected Irish language books aimed at young readers from birth to 18 years old.
Forde, speaking in advance of the launch, emphasized the importance of storytelling in Irish culture and the role that children's books play in preserving the language. "Our language and culture are steeped in the traditions of storytelling," she said. "What better way to keep Irish alive in our homes, or to introduce the language to new learners, than through children's books?"
She added, "The Treoirleabhar Léitheoireachta 2025 is packed with fantastic book recommendations that will encourage young readers to pick up an Irish language book. For those learning Irish, I believe starting with a book is one of the best ways to engage with the language, using illustrations, rhyming text, and the joy of discovering new stories."
